Riesling, Australia’s understated white wine gem, is a varietal steeped in history, elegance, and versatility.

Often misunderstood but never lacking in character, this grape has journeyed from its humble beginnings as a workhorse to its current reign as one of the country’s premier white grape varieties.

With minimalist winemaking techniques and a rich heritage, Australian Riesling is a crisp, citrusy wonder that’s finally getting the recognition it deserves.

The Origins of Australian Riesling

Riesling first graced Australian shores in the early 1800s, potentially arriving with the James Busby collection in 1833. It was officially recorded as being planted in 1837 by William Macarthur at Camden Park. Early settlers from Silesia also brought their winemaking expertise to regions like Barossa, planting Riesling vines and cementing its place in Australian viticulture.

Fast-forward to the mid-1800s, and pioneers like Joseph Gilbert were planting Riesling in high-altitude areas such as Pewsey Vale in the Eden Valley. By the 1950s, Riesling’s trajectory took a revolutionary turn as winemakers adopted cold-pressure fermentation techniques, producing the clean, crisp styles we celebrate today.

The Art of Minimal Intervention

Riesling’s inherent delicacy calls for a minimalist approach in the winery. Australian winemakers excel at showcasing the pure expression of this noble variety, with techniques that capture its vibrant acidity and aromatic complexity. From the citrusy tang of young Rieslings to the honeyed, toasty notes of aged bottles, this variety’s transformation over time is nothing short of magical.

A Tale of Two Valleys: Clare and Eden

Australia’s Clare and Eden Valleys are Riesling’s crowning jewels.

Clare Valley This picturesque region boasts five subareas, each contributing to the Clare Valley’s reputation for premium Rieslings. Elevated sites and dramatic diurnal temperature shifts produce wines with bright acidity and intense citrus characters. From Watervale’s floral charm to the steely elegance of Polish Hill River’s wines, Clare Valley sets the global benchmark. Our recommendation: Jeanneret Wine.

Eden Valley Eden Valley, nestled alongside Barossa, is a cooler-climate haven for Riesling. With some of the world’s oldest Riesling vines, the region delivers wines that are aromatic, elegant, and age-worthy. Its combination of altitude, ancient soils, and meticulous winemaking traditions makes Eden Valley Rieslings a collector’s dream.

Beyond Clare and Eden

Other regions such as Tasmania, Great Southern (Western Australia), Hunter Valley (New South Wales), Yarra Valley (Victoria), and Canberra are also crafting outstanding Rieslings.

Tasmania’s cool climate imparts elegance and finesse, while Great Southern’s rugged terroir yields distinctive wines with vibrant acidity and depth. Together, these regions expand Riesling’s footprint across Australia, proving its adaptability and resilience.

The Sweet and Dry of It

Misconceptions about Riesling’s sweetness linger, a hangover from the 1970s and ‘80s when “Riesling” was often a misnomer for generic sweet whites.

Today, Australian Riesling is predominantly dry, showcasing lean, citrus-driven profiles with impeccable balance. This reflects the mood of the Australian winemaking industry (think about the shift from rich, buttery Chardonnays to the more varietal-driven, fresh examples of today).

However, off-dry and dessert styles also shine, offering a spectrum of experiences for wine lovers. From the decadent marmalade notes of late-harvest Rieslings to the luscious apricot and honey characters of Botrytis-influenced wines, there’s a Riesling for every palate.

A Global Contender

Australia is one of the world’s leading Riesling producers, rivalling the United States and surpassing France in production. Germany remains the undisputed champion, but Australia’s distinctive Riesling styles have earned their place on the world stage. Grown in 40 of the country’s 65 wine regions, Riesling thrives in both cool and warm climates, each imparting unique characteristics to the final wine.

Age-Worthy Elegance

Australian Rieslings are some of the most cellar-worthy whites. Their naturally high acidity and screw-cap closures ensure decades of aging potential. Over time, these wines evolve from zippy, citrusy youthfulness into rich, layered masterpieces with notes of honey, toast, and lemon curd.

Why Riesling Deserves Your Attention

Riesling’s resurgence is a testament to its quality, versatility, and the dedication of Australian winemakers. Whether you prefer the clean lines of a dry Clare Valley Riesling, the aromatic complexity of an Eden Valley bottle, or the indulgence of a late-harvest style, this variety has something to offer everyone.

So, next time you’re selecting a white wine, let Riesling surprise you. Crisp, elegant, and endlessly intriguing, Australian Riesling is a glassful of history and artistry, waiting to be discovered.

Fancy a sampling some Australian Rieslings at a very special price? Pick up our Celebration of Australian Riesling Half Dozen for £99.00, including free delivery, during January 2025!